How To Register A Domain Name
- Last Update: September 12, 2024
Are you planning to establish your online business or want to start your blog?
Yes!
Then you will definitely need a Domain name even before getting the best web hosting for your website.
And in 2024 it’s absolutely essential that you should do it and start using the power of the internet.
In this step-by-step guideline, we’re going to show you several options on how to register a domain name and also cover some commonly asked questions that might pop up in your mind while registering a domain.
When Do You Need To Register A Domain Name?
If you are serious about building a business, then you should register a domain name right away.
Currently, there are over 151.8 million .com domain names already registered. 366.3 million domain names are registered in all TLDs.
and counting…
This means that all of the good domain names are currently being registered. Chances are the name you are thinking of is getting registered by someone somewhere.
This is why all smart entrepreneurs register domain names ahead of time, even before starting a business.
So you should also register the best and suitable domain name for your business as soon as possible.
Why Choosing The Best Domain Name Is Important?
Domain names play a very important role in your website’s identity and success.
It’s a gateway to any website, it decides how appealing your website will be.
Why?
1. Because Domain name (URL) is the first thing your potential visitors will see and type.
2. It tells the whole story – Most of the time the domain name tells itself what your website is all about.
3. It defines your brand – Just like samsung.com, and zara.com, your website name will help you with brand recognition.
Do you require additional assistance? Check out our expert advice on finding the best domain name for your website.
Having said that, I guess you have decided on an awesome name for your website and are ready to register it.
But before we begin the registration process, I want to draw your attention to certain things.
1. There are plenty of registrars you can go with, however, choosing the best one should be your aim.
2. Don’t go with a hanky-panky company that promises to provide a domain name at a very cheap price. You might get one but with very weird extensions like “.loto”, “.tk”, “.vk” etc.
If you are really serious about your online presence then always choose the best TLD extension.
Discloser: ElegantEspace is supported by readers like yourself. We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through our links . Commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
How To Register A Domain Name
You can register a domain name from any of the top domain registrars that are authorized by ICANN to register domain names.
1. Find a domain name registrar
2. Search for your domain name’s availability
3. Register the domain name
4. Add domain ID protection
5. Choose the Registration Period
6. Review and Confirm
7. Payment
8. Complete the Registration
It’s essential to choose a reputable registrar that offers good customer support and clear terms and conditions. Additionally, keep your contact information up to date with the registrar to ensure you receive important notifications about your domain.
Once your domain is registered, you can start building your website and using your domain.
Find A Domain Name Registrar
The nonprofit organization ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) oversees the entire domain name system. It allows third-party companies, known as domain registrars, to sell and manage domain names.
Some top domain registrars are GoDaddy, NameCheap, and Domain.com.
Since there are so many different registrars, we will cover the three most popular ways to register a domain name.
Method 1: Register A Domain Name With GoDaddy
Go to GoDaddy.com and type the domain name you have chosen.
Once you enter your domain name it will show the availability.
If available, click on ‘Add to cart’ followed by ‘Continue to cart’. Otherwise, choose a different domain name and then proceed with ‘Add to the cart.’
You will land on the new screen which will show lots of options, select ‘No Thanks’ under every plan.
However, if you are looking for professional email services and domain protection then you can opt in.
Scroll down and select ‘Continue to Cart’.
Now select the ‘terms’ and ‘proceed to checkout.’
Here, under ‘Terms’, you can choose for how many years you want to register your domain name.
The longer you choose the cheaper price you get.
I recommend it for at least three years, it won’t only save you money but also you will worry less about the renewal of your domain for at least three years.
Once you decide on the terms, hit the ‘Checkout’ button, make the payment and place the order.
However, if you have not created an account on Godaddy it will ask you to make one.
It’s really simple just provide the Email address and username and create your password and Support pin (security pin).
Bingo…
you are ready to go.
That’s it.
Your domain name will be registered and you will be ready to use it right away.
Method 2: Register a Domain Name with Domain.com
Like Godaddy, Domain.com also gives the option to register a domain name.
Along with registering the domain name, you can also host your website with them. They provide a range of hosting plans to host your website.
It offers an easy way to manage your domain name and create a website.
The registration process is almost the same as seen in the above steps.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to purchase a domain name:
- Decide on Your Domain Name: Choose a unique and relevant domain name that reflects your website’s purpose or content. Make sure it’s easy to remember and type.
- Check Domain Availability: Use a domain registrar’s search tool to check if your desired domain name is available. If it’s already registered, you may need to consider alternatives or variations.
- Add the Domain to Your Cart: Once you’ve found an available domain name, add it to your shopping cart on the registrar’s website.
- Choose Your Registration Period: Select the duration for which you want to register the domain name. Most registrars offer registration periods ranging from one year to several years. Choose the option that suits your needs.
- Configure Domain Settings: While adding the domain to your cart, you may have the option to configure additional settings. This can include domain privacy protection (WHOIS privacy), email services, and DNS management. Adjust these settings as necessary.
- Review Your Order: Carefully review the items in your shopping cart, including the domain name, registration period, and any additional services. Make sure everything is accurate.
- Proceed to Checkout: Click the “Checkout” or “Proceed to Payment” button to initiate the purchase process.
- Provide Contact Information: During the checkout process, you’ll be asked to provide contact information, including your name, address, email address, and phone number. This information is used for administrative and legal purposes.
- Choose a Payment Method: Select your preferred payment method and enter the necessary payment details. Ensure that the total cost, including any additional services, is clear before completing the payment.
- Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the information you’ve entered, including contact details and payment information. Double-check that your domain name is spelled correctly.
- Complete the Purchase: Once you’re satisfied with your order, click the “Confirm” or “Complete Purchase” button to finalize the transaction. You’ll receive an order confirmation email.
- Access Your Domain Management Dashboard: Log in to your domain registrar’s website and access your domain management dashboard. Here, you can configure DNS settings, link the domain to a website or hosting provider, and make any necessary changes.
- Set Up Domain Renewal: Most domain registrations are valid for one year, so set up domain auto-renewal or mark your calendar to renew your domain before it expires to avoid losing it.
- Start Using Your Domain: After completing the purchase, you can start using your domain name for your website, email addresses, or any other online purposes.
Important: No one actually completely owns the Domain name. They are only registering it and will have to renew it on a regular basis. If you fail to renew, someone else will register it.
Domain Id Protection
When you register a domain name, you must provide your contact information including your name, phone number, physical address, and email address.
Unless you pay for domain privacy through your domain registrar, this contact information becomes public as soon as your domain name is registered.
This domain privacy will hide your information from view, protecting it from spammers and, worse, identity thieves.
However, If your business address is already listed on your website, there’s no need to hide your details from the Whois database, as it’s already out there for anyone to find.
There are plenty of registrars you can go with however choosing the best one should be your aim.
If you are new then getting a domain and hosting from the same company would be a better move.
Method 3: Register A Domain Name Along With Hosting
If you are new to website designing and don’t know where to start, I recommend you buy domains and hosting together.
Normally, a domain name costs $14.99 / year.
However, buying domains and hosting together will surely save lots of money. There are a few host providers who will offer a free domain name with a hosting package.
Renowned companies like Hostinger and Inmotion are one of them.
I recommend you to go with them.
They are the most trusted and renowned hosting company having a rating of 9.8 out of 10.
Important FAQs On Domain Name Registration
Can I get Domain name at free of cost?
There are plenty of different ways to get a free domain name for your new website.
When you sign up for hosting with Inmotion, you’ll get a free domain.
Who owns my domain name once it is registered?
A domain name is never owned outright but rented subject to the registrar’s terms and conditions on an exclusive use basis with an automatic right of renewal.
By registering a domain you are entering into a 3-way agreement between the registrar, the registrant’s agent and you, the registrant.
Do I need to renew it?
Of course, you will have to renew your domain name. And it’s really important.
If you failed then your domain name will go back on sale and if someone else buys it then you will lose it for forever. Or else you will have to pay a huge amount to get it back.
So set a reminder for it or choose the automatic renewal option in your account settings.
How can I buy a domain name permanently?
You cannot buy a domain name permanently. Domain name registration is done on a yearly basis. However, you can pre-pay for up to 10 years which guarantees that you will have a domain name for 10 years.
How can I reserve a domain name without buying it?
There is no way to reserve a domain name without purchasing it. You have to buy it if you want to reserve it. Considering the low cost of a domain name, it’s a small investment for a business.
Do I Need a Website to Register a Domain Name?
No, you do not need a website to register a domain name. You can register a domain name and make a website later.
Do I need to buy both a domain name and hosting space to run a website?
Yes, to run a website you will be needed both of them.
A Domain name is the URL one types into a browser’s address bar to visit the particular website.
Whereas Web Hosting is a place where all the files and data (the content of your site) of a website is stored.
Which domain extension will be better?
There are several extensions you can choose from.
However, it is highly recommended to get the best extension to solidify your online presence.
- .com
- .net
- .org
- .info
.com should be your first priority then check for other extensions.
How to Change Domain Name Servers?
Domain name servers (DNS) are the internet’s equivalent of a phonebook.
To change your nameserver, you must log in to the domain name registrar with whom you registered your domain.
From there, the process will vary based on your registrar. But here are the basic steps:
- Find the DNS manager within your registrar.
- Locate the DNS that you’d like to change.
- There will typically be some sort of option like, ‘Use custom nameservers.’ Click that option.
- Enter your desired new nameserver.
If you are starting a website for the very time, then our step by step guide on how to create a WordPress website will be very useful for you.
Can I make money investing in domain names and selling them later?
Trading in domain names, called domaining, is quite a profitable business. It is one of the best method to make money online.
You can simply buy a domain and sell it at a later stage, possibly pocketing a neat sum of profit.
Informative article, exactly what I was looking for.
Cheers